As a new approach, abductive reasoning could enhance reasoning abilities of novice clinicians. It can not only incorporate various ways of knowing but also its holistic approach to learning appears to be promising in problem-based learning. As nursing literature on abductive reasoning is predominantly philosophical, practical consequences of abductive reasoning warrant further research.

The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the comfort of nurse practitioner (NP) students with webcam invigilation of online examinations and the effectiveness of webcam invigilation in preventing students from cheating. An online questionnaire was developed for NP students currently enrolled in Ontario's Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program, in which online examinations are invigilated through a webcam. All students were contacted via e-mail and invited to participate in the online questionnaire. The response rate was 77%. Data were collected and analyzed. Results demonstrated that webcam invigilation can be an uncomfortable experience and that cheating on webcam-invigilated examinations is possible. The results will contribute to the scarce literature available on webcam invigilation of online examinations, but research with a larger sample is needed if results are to be generalized to the webcam invigilation process.

Objectives Clinical experience is an essential component of nurse practitioner (NP) education that relies heavily on preceptors. Recruitment and retention of preceptors is challenging due to many variables that can affect NP education and practice. We surveyed Canadian NP programs to understand their preceptorship structures, how they support preceptorship, and to identify gaps and challenges to recruitment and retention of preceptors. Methods An 18-item survey, developed by the NP Education Interest Group, was distributed to 24 universities across 10 Canadian provinces. Construct validity and reliability was assessed by experienced NPs and NP faculty. Data were analyzed using relative frequency statistics and thematic analysis. Participants consisted of administrative staff and/or faculty designated as responsible for recruitment and retention of NP preceptors. Results Seventeen returned surveys were analyzed and demonstrated more similarities than differences across Canada's NP programs, particularly related to barriers affecting recruitment and retention of preceptors. The findings identified NP programs have too many students for the number of available clinical sites/preceptors, resulting in overutilization, burnout, or refusal to take students. Competition with other health disciplines for clinical placements was identified as a challenge to placements. Respondents commented they lack time to recruit, provide follow-up, offer support, or seek preceptors' feedback due to competing work demands. They identified the need for standardized funding for preceptor remuneration and recognition across the country. Conclusion The findings suggest the need for exploring a wider intraprofessional collaboration among graduate NP programs/faculty, clinical placement sites, and NPs to facilitate the recruitment and retention of preceptors.

This article describes a comparative analysis of external validity reporting in non-randomized behavioural and public health intervention studies that used and did not use the TREND (Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Non-randomized Designs) statement. The search resulted in 14 non-randomized intervention studies that were rated based on Green and Glasgow's criteria for external validity reporting. Studies that used the TREND statement demonstrated improved external validity reporting when compared with studies that did not use the TREND statement. The implication is that the TREND statement and Green and Glasgow's criteria can improve external validity reporting of non-randomized behavioural and public health interventions.

Simulation based learning in nursing education provides learners with opportunities to practice real-life experiences. Enhancing the education of nurse practitioners (NPs) with simulation based teaching and learning strategies has not been well investigated. There is limited evidence related to learning outcomes and the use of high fidelity simulation or standardized patients. In an Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) Program, the use of a multi-model simulation learning activity was piloted with a group of NP learners. The learning activity consisted of three scenarios, each representing typical conditions seen in primary health care across the lifespan. Each scenario was carefully developed with consideration of curriculum goals, use of simulation technology or standardized patients, and the role of faculty facilitators. Learners worked in pairs as a team to complete a focused history and physical examination, formulate a diagnosis, and develop a plan of care or action for the patients. Following each of the three scenarios, the learner teams received focused feedback on their performance. A guided group reflection was conducted following the learning activity. The feedback from the learners was positive, with a recommendation to include similar learning opportunities earlier in the NP curriculum. The learners valued the active learning process, including peer collaboration and group debriefing. Although the findings from this pilot included a small group of learners, there are valuable considerations for nursing faculty teaching in NP programs with a primary health care focus.